Chapter 10: Concluding Remarks

The concept and principles of sustainable consumption and production have existed for centuries. However, despite this and the existence of several strategies, policies, laws, and initiatives, unsustainable consumption and production practices are prevalent. This chapter provides concluding remarks on this conundrum and ends by proposing a global governance system to overcome some of the challenges faced. It contends that the central tenets of this governance system should include (1) a more participatory approach to decision-making that includes Global South nations, (2) the utilisation of concepts that take account of the complexity of resource flows (rather than linear supply chains), (3) a more coordinated sharing of resources and knowledge between countries and regions, and (4) more sustainable sources of funding.